MOUNT VERNON – Paul R. Riley, 85, passed away on Monday, April 5, 2021, at Riverside Hospital in Columbus. He was born on Feb. 28, 1936, in Dresden, Ohio, to the late Bern and Juanita (King) Riley.
Paul was a faithful member of First Baptist Church, having served as a Sunday School teacher and superintendent for many years. He was also a faithful husband to his wife Sue for over 61 years. He served in the U.S. Army in Germany in the early 1960s, where his first son Drew was born. Paul then came home and settled in Mount Vernon, where his second son Joel was born.
After a stint in insurance, Paul settled on computer programming as a profession, working briefly at Mercy Hospital and then spending most of his career at Gorman Rupp in Bellville. He retired in 2000 with the express interest of watching basketball and his grandson Justin grow up.
Paul was an avid bird watcher, with birds of prey his specialty. Even late in life, he could tell a species by flight and shape. He was a wonderful storyteller and was very pleased to have served his country. Paul was a great role model for his family, and he will be deeply missed.
He is survived by his wife, S. Sue (Bryan) Riley; his son, Joel (Laura) Riley of St. Louisville; grandson, Justin Riley; sister, Maryanne (Bob) Walters of Florida; and nephews, Scott (Julie) Walters and Brian (Jo) Walters.
Paul was preceded in death by his son, Bryan Drew Riley, in 2014.
Funeral services will be held at noon on Monday, April 12, at First Baptist Church. Friends may call one hour prior to services at the church. Burial will follow in Mound View Cemetery with military graveside honors conducted by the Knox County Joint Veterans Council. The Lasater Funeral Home is handling the services for the Riley family.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church Building Fund.
To express a condolence or share a memory with the family, please visit www.lasaterfuneralhomes.com.
